Des Moines is looking for people to join a new committee devoted to supporting the city's refugee and immigrant populations.

The group is intended to lend a voice to those communities, said Joshua Barr, director of the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission. The group will "help them on a ground level, find out what challenges and concerns there are and understand what opportunities there are to assist them," he said.

Its formation was spurred, in part, by complaints the city has received about refugees and immigrants living in squalid conditions.

"Typically, non-white, non-English speaking, non-native persons are more likely to be taken advantage of in housing because they may not understand the law," Barr said.

The Refugee and Immigrant Advisory Subcommittee will include representatives from the refugee and immigrant communities as well as people with expertise in assisting those populations.

Barr said he's also looking for people who are just "working hard to put food on the table and have concerns about their neighborhood."

The group is just one step the city is taking to engage its growing cultural diversity.

Des Moines plans to hire a human rights equity coordinator this year to improve communication with underrepresented groups and investigate equity issues. The city created the position during the last budget cycle, but it has not yet filled the job.

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Erick Vasquez, 2, is held by his mother Guadalupe next to his aunt Marcela Vasquez at Des Moines City Council meeting.(Photo: MacKenzie Elmer/The Register)

In April, the Civil and Human Rights Commission unanimously recommended that Des Moines adopt a "welcoming city" proposal. Among other items, it asked the city to establish a committee to foster an immigrant-friendly community, "Know Your Rights" education programs and language protocols for government agencies.

It was brought before the City Council in May but never adopted.

City Manager Scott Sanders said Monday that the city is close to bringing it back before the council. That could happen this month.

How to apply

Applicants are asked to send a cover letter and answers to seven question to the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission at humanrights@dmgov.org. Find more information and the questions on the city's website. The deadline to apply is Aug. 20.